CHONGQING, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- China lost 1-0 to Tajikistan in a football friendly on Tuesday, suffering its third consecutive defeat.
Neither side was able to break the deadlock in the first half before Vahdat Khanonov gave Tajikistan the lead in the 53rd minute.
China goalkeeper Liu Dianzuo failed to hold a long-range effort, allowing Khanonov to pounce on the loose ball and score from close range.
China's task became more difficult six minutes later when Wei Shihao was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for elbowing an opponent. Wei had picked up his first booking in the 45th minute.
China head coach Shao Jiayi said the match highlighted the pressure of international competition and the improving standard of football across Asia, adding that China needed to improve both individually and collectively.
"The problems emerged early, which is a good thing. There are still three months to prepare for the Asian Cup, and I believe we can bounce back," Shao said.
Addressing China's third consecutive defeat, Shao acknowledged the pressure he was under but pointed to the debuts of several young players as a positive.
"Youth is a learning process. They will gain experience through matches. This process is indeed a bit bitter, but we must keep going," Shao said. "From my perspective as head coach, I am still satisfied with them."
The defeat followed a heavy 5-0 home loss to Palestine in China's previous match. It was also the first time China's men's national team had conceded a goal against Tajikistan since 1998. China had kept clean sheets in the previous three meetings between the sides, recording two wins and a draw. ■
